Name : Priyanshu Behera
Branch: Computer Science
Engineering
Roll Number : 21CSE60
Registration Number :
2101335043
Semester : 3rd
Subject : Environment
Studies
EFFECTS OF
OIL SPILL ON
MARINE
ENVIRONMENT
This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-SA.
INTRODUCTION
Oil spills can seriously affect the marine environment both as a result of physical smothering
and toxic effects. The severity of impact typically depends on the quantity and type of oil
spilt,
the ambient conditions and the sensitivity of the affected organisms and their habitats to the
oil.
This paper describes the effects of ship-source oil spills and resultant clean-up activities on
marine flora and fauna, and their habitats. Particular attention is devoted to discussing the
complex interactions between oil and biological systems, which have been the subject of
diverse studies over many years. Separate ITOPF papers consider the specific effects of oil
on fisheries and mariculture and on wider human activity.
OIL SPILL EFFECTS
•Oil spills affect marine life and local industry for years, even decades after
they occur. The effects of oil spills are worse when the site is near coastal
communities. Shorelines are typically teeming with species that flourish on
the water's surface, including birds, sea otters, fish, and invertebrates. When
a massive amount of oil is spilled into these areas, it harms the health of
marine life. Oil spills also impact local industry; the fishing, shipping, and
tourism industries often suffer economic losses after oil spills.
HOW DOES OIL IMPACT MARINE LIFE?
•Oil destroys the insulating ability of fur-bearing mammals, such as sea otters, and the water
repellency of a bird's feathers, thus exposing these creatures to the harsh elements. Without the
ability to repel water and insulate from the cold water, birds and mammals will die from
hypothermia.
•Juvenile sea turtles can also become trapped in oil and mistake it for food. Dolphins and whales
can inhale oil, which can affect lungs, immune function and reproduction. Many birds and animals
also ingest oil when they try to clean themselves, which can poison them.
•Fish, shellfish, and corals may not be exposed immediately, but can come into contact with oil if it
is mixed into the water column — shellfish can also be exposed in the intertidal zone. When
exposed to oil, adult fish may experience reduced growth, enlarged livers, changes in heart and
respiration rates, fin erosion, and reproduction impairment. Fish eggs and larvae can be especially
sensitive to lethal and sublethal impacts. Even when lethal impacts are not observed, oil can make
fish and shellfish unsafe for humans to eat.
This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY.
CLEAN-UP PROCEDURE FOR OIL SPILLS
[Link] Oil Booms
•The use of oil booms is a straightforward and popular method of controlling oil spills. Equipment called containment booms acts like a fence to prevent the oil
from further spreading or floating away
2. Using Skimmers
•Once the oil has been confined by using oil booms, skimmers or oil scoops can be deployed onto boats to remove the contaminants from the water surface.
Skimmers are machines specially designed to suck up the oil from the water surface like a vacuum cleaner. They are used to physically separate the oil from the
water to be collected and processed for re-use.
3. Bioremediation
•Bioremediation refers to the use of specific microorganisms to remove any toxic or harmful substances. For example, various bacteria, fungi, archaea, and
algae degrade petroleum products by metabolizing and breaking them into simpler and non-toxic molecules (mostly fatty acids and carbon dioxide).
Sometimes, reagents and fertilizers may be added to the area.
•These phosphorus-based and nitrogen-based fertilizers provide adequate nutrients for the microbes to grow and multiply quickly.
•This process is generally not used when the spill has happened in the deep seas and is gradually implemented once the oil approaches the shoreline.
